§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will arrange for tests to be conducted to determine the carcinogenic and radiation dangers inherent in the discharges into the atmosphere from normal operations at fossil-fired and nuclear power stations.
§ Mr. KingDischarges to the atmosphere from fossil-fired power stations are subject to the requirements of Her Majesty's Alkali and Clean Air Inspectorate of the Health and Safety Executive. Tests relating to the carcinogenic potential of power station ash have been negative but further work is being carried out by the Central Electricity Generating Board. The results of extensive surveys of air pollution published by the CEGB and the Department of Industry confirm that the impact on the local environment is small. The significance of the trace quantities of radioactive materials emitted is minimal in comparison with naturally occurring background radiation levels and the effect on health is negligible.
The generating boards systematically measure and analyse radioactive discharges to the atmosphere from nuclear power stations, and independent checks are made by the appropriate Authorising Departments. The results of this work 189W are summarised in the Annual Survey of Radioactive Discharges in Great Britain, published by this Department.
The effects of ionising radiation on health were summarised in the 1977 report of the United Nations scientific committee on the effects of atomic radiation. Further investigatory research in this country is being carried out by the National Radiological Protection Board and the Medical Research Council.